Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) may be at particular risk to developing joint pain or osteoarthritis. 

This is because PCOS is linked to insulin disorders like metabolic syndrom and diabetes.  We already know that insulin disorders raise the risk to osteoarthritis.  To understand this link, it helps to know a bit more about PCOS.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a complex endocrine (hormone) disorder characterized by an excess of androgens (male hormones), which create fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries and cause irregular or absent periods. This disruption of the normal menstrual cycle can render pregnancy impossible by preventing ovulation. Post-menopausal women may also experience PCOS.

The symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome vary, but they can include menstrual irregularity, skin conditions like acne and brown patches, excess facial and body hair, female baldness, and reduced sex drive. The disorder shares a key factor with Type 2 Diabetes, namely the imbalance of blood glucose and insulin called insulin resistance.

The statistical links between Diabetes and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are very strong.  First, 5-10% of reproductive age women in the U.S. may have PCOS. (2) Between 50% and 70% of American women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome also experience insulin resistance. (3)

Although obesity is often a major contributory factor to PCOS, women of normal healthy weight and even lean women can also have both disorders. But as many as 20-40% of obese women in the U.S. with PCOS may have insulin resistance and diabetes.

African-American and Hispanic women are particularly prone to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, a leading cause of female infertility throughout the world.  Many doctors now believe insulin resistance is of great relevance to diabetes and PCOS, particularly in women with both conditions.

Fortunately, with wise self-management PCOS symptoms can either be better managed and even reversed! It's one of a number of measures than can be taken to improve health by increasing the effective management of diabetes through better insulin sensitivity.

Changes in lifestyle are crucial and include:

• Weight loss to achieve a desirable weight – a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 kg/m2 – see Osteoarthritis and BMI on this web site
   
• Increased physical activity, with a goal of at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most days of the week, tailored to your individual needs as a Type 2 Diabetic 
• A balanced, nutritious diet that includes reduced intake of carbohydrates, saturated fat, trans-fat and cholesterol.

[Codner E, Soto N, Lopez P, et al. Diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome and ovarian morphology in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(6):2250-6.]